“Doctor Who” has spawned another spin-off series. This time it focuses on the independent adventures of K9.  “K9- The Series” offers 26 half hour eps aimed at a younger audience.  K9 was first seen in 1977 with several of the Doctors and most recently with David Tennant’s Doctor with Elizabeth Sladen (the original Sarah Jane Smith) and also in her spin-off series, “The Sarah Jane Adventures”. (image right is K9 in 2006)

This concept with a show centered on K9 had faltered before- a pilot for “K9 and Company” was not picked up.  It doesn’t seem like K9 is strong enough to hold its own in a separate show without the Doctor, but this incarnation hopes to evoke a perhaps Scooby Doo-type vibe with K9 and a bunch of kids.  “K9- The Series” is ready to premiere in Australia and Europe in the beginning of next year, but no news if it will air in the States.

Here’s a press release from Park Entertainment about the show:

K9 – FIRST K9 – The Series The long-awaited television series K9, featuring everyone’s favourite robot dog, is nearly with us!

Originally created for the 1970s DOCTOR WHO series by Bob Baker and Dave Martin, K9 has long been an iconic television character. Now a brand new series of K9 is several weeks into production.. K9 is a children’s sci-fi/adventure series combining comedy, action and suspense – “X Files” meets “Men in Black” with a zany dash of “Ghostbusters”. K9 mixes live action characters with stunning visual-effects.

K9 and his three teenage companions become the earth’s front line defense against dangers threatening from anywhere and anytime in the galaxy. They will have a lot of fun, action, adventure, and some scares along the way, saving the earth from alien creatures, monsters and more than a few human threats.
Production commenced in early December 2008 on a specially built set just outside Brisbane, Australia. Shooting continues on this 26 part series until the end of April and the series is expected to begin broadcast on Ten Network and Jetix Europe early in 2010.

[Source] SyFy